Anyone use small magnum primers in a 9mm

[CharlieT]

I can't find any small pistol primers but I can find small magnum pistol primers. I don't really want to use them but if its all I can get? I'm down to around 400 regular and the local shop only has magnums when they have any at all. So has anyone used magnums in a 9mm?

[corbanzo]

I have with lower limit powder charges and it works fine, just back off your loads and work up if need be. 


Just watch out for pressure signs, in a case that small a primer will affect pressure in the case a bit. 

[Bigeasy]

Like Corbanzo said, they will work, and I have done so plenty of times in the past.  Just start at your starting load, and work up slowly, watching out for pressure signs.  I would stay below book max on any load that was originally tested with a standard primer.
 
Larry

[CharlieT]

Thats kinda what I thought but wanted to hear from someone who has done it. Wish now I would have picked up a few 1000 while I was there. I had them in hand and decided to wait.

[corbanzo]

I would pick up a few thousand of any primer! 


Last time I saw primers.... last month...  209 was the only thing any gun shops had around. 

[Couger]

Like Corbanzo said, they will work, and I have done so plenty of times in the past.  Just start at your starting load, and work up slowly.....,   watching out for pressure signs.  I would stay below book max on any load that was originally tested with a standard primer.Larry

When I've thought about storing components, its always been with thought to worst-case and SHTF scenarios!  (something I leanerned from my dad).
 
But also where I live in the country, many times I might be in SNOW and winter conditions.
 
Magnum primers are typically something I consider for MOST of my reloading, for long-term storage ammo.
 

I would pick up a few thousand of any primer! 

Last time I saw primers.... last month...  209 was the only thing any gun shops had around.

Not surprised about the shotshell primers (size 209's), and I actually should check on THOSE again!
 
Also last primers I bought were 1,000 Remington 6 1/2's, that lend themselves well to loading for rounds like the .22 Hornet, .218 Bee, .221 Fireball, etc.  Paid $43 for those.     

[dakotashooter2]

I have some magnum primers I got pretty cheap  due to overstock after the last rush. I have loads developed for them or figure I can use them as trading stock. If I see markdown primers of any type I usually pick them up.

[geezerbiker]

During the first primer shortage in the 90's I used small rifle and small magnum rifle primers in all my handgun loads that took small primers from .380 ACP to .357 mag and all worked well.  I did start from scratch and work up my loads again.  For the 9mm it wasn't a problem since I was just getting into loading that round...

Tony